The Shark Blog

Unless you're a
true, die-hard fantasy hockey addict, early July isn't the time to start
agonizing over your draft list.However,
for those of us who do fit that profile, the week after "Free Agent
Frenzy" is the perfect time to start the agonizing.Aside from a few more miscellaneous signings,
and one or two potential pending trades, there really isn't a whole lot of new
information that will significantly alter your rankings between now and
September.Most of the significant
moves are in the books.So, before
agonizing over Crosby vs Malkin vs Giroux, let's regroup and consider the fantasy
impact from the signings and trades so far this summer:

The Big Ones

Parise
/ Suter bombshell in Minnesota

Despite
all the hype, mostly due to a shallow pool of UFA's, the impact of these deals
will felt more in terms of season ticket sales and wins for the Minnesota
organization than it will on the fantasy scene.While both of these players have significant fantasy potential, neither
can be considered a fantasy superstar.

For
the most part, Parise has slightly underperformed against fantasy expectations
thus far in his career.Going from the
Devils to Mike Yeo's defense-first system won't significantly help him on that
front.Neither will his lack of top
notch partners with the Wild.While he
will see as much playing time as he can handle, his prospects for fantasy gold
have not changed much, making him a 2nd or 3rd tier winger once again.

The
story for Suter isn't much different.He
was already playing close to 30 minutes a game for Nashville, so he can't play
more.His value to an organization isn't
primarily measured in goals and assists.Suter has lingered around 5 goals and 40 points for the past 5 years,
and there is no reason to believe that will change by moving north a few
hundred miles.

Staal
to Carolina

Staal
proved during Crosby's absence over the past couple of seasons that he does
have an offensive side to his game, when he's given the authorization to use
it.While I don't see him besting big
brother on the scoresheet on most nights, I do anticipate a career year
offensively for Jordan in his new colors.70 points is a realistic target, which would top his previous best by
20.

Coming
the other way, Brandon Sutter finds himself in the same shadow that Staal just
fled.The young center now has 4 NHL
seasons on his resume and proved at times last year, that he is also capable of
respectable offensive production.Given
the certainty that Malkin and Crosby cannot possibly remain healthy all season
long, he will get a shot or two on the 2nd line at some point, so topping his
career high of 40 points is well within range.

The Underrated, but More Important than you think
deals

Derek
Roy / Jaromir Jagr to DAL

Roy
has been down and out over the past couple of seasons in Buffalo; however, he
had a few stretches of brilliance last season.He's coming into a good spot in Dallas where he will assume the 2nd line
center role previously occupied by the unstable Ribiero.I would expect a big boost in Roy's numbers,
perhaps playing with fellow newcomer, Jaromir Jagr.

Tuukka
Rask / Tim Thomas ordeal in Boston

Who
knows why exactly things turned so bizarre in the Boston net over the past
several months, but coming out the other end, you have a very promising young
goaltender who just signed an extension, playing net for a very promising team
in Boston.He was tagged by some to be a
pre-season Vezina candidate two years ago, before Thomas had his second revival
and did it himself.At age 25 and with
the job completely his from the get go, this could be a banner year for Rask in
Boston.

PA
Parenteau to Colorado

The
big question here is whether his impact in Colorado will be as great as the
hole he'll leave on Long Island.Just
when New York fans get some semblance of a consistent top-notch scoring line,
the clowns upstairs let a key piece walk.Parenteau clicked with Tavares over the past two seasons and it remains
to be seen who will step up and fill that spot.Will Tavares be able to top the 80 point mark again with Okposo or Brad
Boyes hanging out on the right side?

Jason
Garrison goes long distance, FLA to VAN

Garrison
picked the perfect time to have a breakout, offensive campaign.Just in time to cash in with a big-money
contract on a more exciting hockey club with Vancouver.The Canucks are still looking to replace the
offense they've lost in recent seasons from their defense.Should Garrison continue his upward
trajectory, he could be a significant fantasy factor in 2012-13

Cory
Schneider re-signs with the Canucks

Keeping
with Vancouver, the low-profile 3-year extension given to "backup"
Cory Schneider is significant, particularly given the uncertain status of
Luongo with the franchise.Should Luongo
be moved this summer, as some expect, Schneider instantly becomes a top 10
goaltending option.Possibly even top 5.

The Forgettable

Steve
Sullivan - PHO

Sullivan
had a nice, short run with the offensively gifted Pens last season.He won't be a fantasy factor in Phoenix this
year.

Matt
Carle - TB

No
reason to think at age 27 that Carle's production will be any different in
Tampa.Expect another 35 to 40 point
season.

Olli
Jokinen - WPG

The
Jets were a surprisingly entertaining offensive bunch last season.So what will Jokinen add to this mix as the
potential new #1 center?If his history
is any indication, this may backfire.

Potluck Supper

Jiri
Hudler - CGY

Saying
goodbye to one puzzle on offense, the Flames turned around and brought a new
one in.He never had the opportunity to
be a go-to guy in Detroit.He may
flourish or may disappear in a new home.

Sheldon
Souray - ANA

How
many kicks at the can will this guy get?At age 35, expectations should be set pretty low from a fantasy
perspective; however, that cannon can still fire from the blue line.

The Yet-To-Come

Rick Nash - Who will overpay
in a trade?Chances are it will be
another team in desperate need of offense, which means Nash still will
have little assistance.

Alex Semin - Will anyone take
a serious chance on this guy?Expect a short-term deal with a contender, but no telling how he
will perform.Probably worth a risk
at your draft depending on where he lands.

Shane Doan - At age 35, he's
a 20-goal man at best, regardless of where he lands.

A winger for Crosby - will
Shero find that elusive piece to the Pittsburgh puzzle this summer?